Attero Tech DialogBox - Manual (Page 6)

DialogBox 4/2
User Manual
 Attero Tech LLC 2013 Page 1 614-00011-04
1 – Overview
The DialogBox 4/2 is a full featured 4-input/2-output auto mixer with DSP. The four local inputs can be configured to
accept either line level or mic level signals with software configuration of the pre-amp level. Each input also has 24V
phantom power available which is also configurable via software. A further four channels of audio may be used as
inputs to the DialogBox from the CobraNet network as well.
In the DSP, each local or CobraNet input passes through a signal conditioning stage comprising of a gain control, an HP
filter, low shelf and high shelf EQ filter as well as control to setup the input to be part of a gain proportional auto mixer.
The audio is then fed to a controllable matrix mixer. The output of the matrix mixer provides audio for the four output
zones. All four of these zones feature two fully adjustable parametric EQ, a limiter, and an output gain control per
zone. Each zone also has a ducker feature that allows prioritization of the audio output. The audio from each zone is
available over CobraNet (channels 1-4) with zones 1 and 2 also available as local audio outputs as well. The local
outputs have a selectable 10dB boost implemented in hardware. The remaining four CobraNet channels (channels 5
through 8) are direct feeds from the four local inputs and are not subjected to any DSP processing.
There are also eight logic inputs that can be configured in several different ways.
o Mute - An active input can mute either an input audio signal or a zone output.
o Volume Control - Inputs can be configured to adjust the volume of an output zone either up or down
depending on the function selected. There are two options of where volume is controlled in the signal flow.
o Secondary Source Select – An input can activate a pre-determined secondary audio stream instead of the
default zone audio.
The DialogBox can also be used as a stand-alone device where its features can be used without it being connected to a
CobraNet network.
The DialogBox 4/2 features the following connectivity:
o Audio Inputs - Four analog inputs with Phoenix connectors
o Audio Outputs - Two analog outputs with Phoenix connectors
o Logic inputs - Eight inputs (pull to GND to activate) for mute, volume or source select control
o Ethernet Port – Supplies CobraNet and power via PoE (if available)
o 12V DC power – (Optional) For use instead of PoE
The Attero Tech Control Center application is used to configure and monitor the DialogBox 4/2. This includes not only
the CobraNet setup such as audio routing but also the signal processing and configuration of the output mutes. The
software can be downloaded from the Attero Tech website (
www.atterotech.com ) as is this manual.
*Note:
Other third party software may be used to set up audio routing but the signal processing blocks and other
DialogBox specific configuration can only be controlled using the Attero Tech Control Center application.
1.1 – What’s in the Box?
The DialogBox 4/2 comes supplied with the following
o DialogBox 4/2 device
1.2 – Optional Extras
Any optional extra items required must be ordered separately to the DialogBox itself. All of the following are available
as options for the DialogBox 4/2:
o Mounting bracket kit – Used for mounting the unit to a horizontal or vertical surface
o Single rack mount kit
o Dual rack mount kit – Mounts two Attero half rack devices side by side taking up only 1U in the rack